This week, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council has introduced a series of changes to the regulations governing the World Rally Championship (WRC). These changes primarily affect the design of the Rally1 s, the Premier Class’ hybrid cars that are to welcome the new era of the sport next season.  

The introduction of the new hybrid technology has also made it necessary to modify some procedures in order to prevent the dangers derived from the use of electric power in competitition machines. 

Among the new measures aimed at reducing costs is the increase in the minimum weight of the Rally 1 by 10 kilograms, which will raise its total weight to one and a half tons, including the hybrid system and crew. 

Only two engines to score points at the WRC  

In this same sense, the components of the engine and the hybrid system will be clearly restricted. On the one hand, there will be the Rally1s designated by the brands to qualify for points in the Constructors’ Championship.

On the other, there will be those not competing for the said title, regardless of whether these are extra units of the official teams, vehicles rented by teams or private contenders. 

Regarding the former (cars entered to score points in the World Championship), each vehicle may use only two combustion engines (1.6 turbo) during the thirteen rounds that make up the upcoming WRC calendar, instead of the usual three. In addition to this, each team fighting for the manufacturers’ crown will have nine hybrid units (100 kW) at its disposal. 

Meanwhile, other Rally 1 cars will have one hybrid unit and a spare one in each race in which they take part. These measures are hoped to contain costs and fulfil the savings’ strategy designed by the FIA Rally Commission. 

Safety: Sanctions, special gloves and ‘HY’ markings 

Regarding safety measures, there has been a review of the sanctions for those pilots who fasten their helmets incorrectly. The refuelling procedure has also been revised to make it safer, with crews having to leave the interior of the vehicle for the duration of it. 

Likewise, a new protocol has been established in the event of a fault with a Rally 1. Given the dangers inherent to these cars’ hybrid technology, both the driver and co-driver must wear special insulating gloves (HV class 0) inside the cars, which will protect them from a possible electric shock. 

Also, the livery of the car will be marked with an ‘HY’ sign in white letters on a red background. This will make them easier to identify by both marshals and spectators present at WRC rallies. 

A number of clarifications have also been issued regarding the charging protocols for the new cars and the use of their ‘zero emissions’ mode in the so-called HEV areas. 

Images Rally1: Hyundai Motorsport.